In a high-stakes Group E match of the Club World Cup held at Seattle’s Lumen Field, Inter Milan secured a crucial 2–0 win over River Plate. This victory not only topped the group but also moved them into the Round of 16, while River Plate exited the tournament. The contest, filled with tension and late drama, confirmed Inter’s unbeaten run and resilience.
Inter Milan Finds Breakthrough in Final 20 Minutes Against River Plate
For much of the match, both teams appeared cautious, focusing on structure and avoiding mistakes. River Plate showed strong organization in defense, keeping Inter’s attacks at bay for over an hour. However, the breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute, when teenage substitute Francesco Esposito made a memorable impact.
After a clever through ball from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Esposito calmly placed his shot past the goalkeeper. It was a confident and clinical finish from the youngster, who was full of energy and determination.
“This is a dream for me,” said Esposito after the match. “Scoring for Inter in such an important game, and helping us win the group it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Red Card for River Plate Changes the Game’s Momentum
Just before the goal, the match took a dramatic turn. River Plate’s Lucas Martínez Quarta was shown a red card after a dangerous tackle on Mkhitaryan. The dismissal left River Plate with ten men and tilted the balance in Inter’s favor. Sports News
With the man advantage, Inter began dominating possession, switching play effortlessly and pushing higher up the field. River’s defensive wall started to crack under constant pressure.
Coach Cristian Chivu praised his team for staying composed.
“When the red card happened, we didn’t rush,” said Chivu. “We stuck to our game plan, kept control, and trusted our quality to get the job done.”
Bastoni’s Late Strike Secures the Win and Tames River Plate’s Spirit
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Alessandro Bastoni stepped up to deliver the finishing blow. Picking up the ball at the edge of the box in the 93rd minute, Bastoni unleashed a precise left-footed strike that curled into the corner of the net.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Inter fans in the stadium and on the bench. It was a fitting end to a match where Inter had shown patience, skill, and tactical intelligence.
“We knew we had to be patient,” Bastoni said. “River Plate are tough. They defend with heart. But when the moment came, I took the chance.”
Inter Milan Advances to Knockout Round, River Plate Exits in Disappointment
With the 2–0 victory, Inter Milan finishes Group E in first place and now heads into the Round of 16, where they will face Fluminense. Meanwhile, River Plate’s journey ends in disappointment despite their spirited performances earlier in the tournament.
Monterrey, with a win in their final match, joins Inter as the second team from Group E to advance. River Plate narrowly missed out on qualification due to goal difference.Inter fans now look ahead to the knockout rounds with excitement. With the form, confidence, and talent shown in this match, many believe Inter could go deep into the tournament.
